Reedy River by Henry Lawson (1892)
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his rural home after years away and becomes embroiled in the lives of the local people. He forms a close bond with a woman from a lower social class, which sparks tension within the community due to their differing backgrounds. The narrative explores themes of love, class divisions, and the struggles faced by those living on the margins of society.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Pastoral · 533 words
First lines
Ten miles down Reedy River A pool of water lies, And all the year it mirrors The changes in the skies, And in that pool's broad bosom Is room for all the stars; Its bed of sand has drifted O'er countless rocky bars.
Around the lower edges There waves a bed of reeds, Where water rats are hidden And where the wild duck breeds; And grassy slopes rise gently To ridges long and low, Where groves of wattle flourish And native bluebells grow.
What this Textopian page supports
Reedy River is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Pastoral, Tragedy, Nature
- Length: 533 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Reedy River by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Reedy River?
- How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The narrative centers around a romantic relationship and the emotional journey of the protagonist with Mary Campbell.
- Pastoral — The setting and themes emphasize the beauty and tranquility of rural life, typical of pastoral literature.
- Tragedy — The poem concludes with a sense of loss and mourning, as indicated by the reference to Mary's grave.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Regional Fiction · Rural Life · Social Realism · Poverty · Class Struggle · Outback Setting · Colonial Era · Fictionalized Autobiography · Coming of Age · Male Protagonist